Saab presented a full-scale concept model called the A3-001 at the Swedish Armed Forces Air Show, offering a look at a future uncrewed combat air system.The Saab A3-001 was on display at the Jubilee Air Show at Malmen Air Base in Linköping, illustrating how crewed and uncrewed platforms could operate together as part of an integrated combat air system in the future.
The model draws on Saab’s long-standing aerospace expertise and could complement Gripen and other future crewed combat air capabilities, according to the company.
Mission Profile of the A3-001
The platform is envisioned for high-risk missions such as electronic warfare, suppression of enemy air defences, and precision strike operations in heavily contested environments. With low observability, a high degree of autonomy, and the ability to operate across multiple domains, the A3-001 concept represents a potential component of a future combat air capability.
Demonstrator Flight Targeted Before 2030
Peter Nilsson, head of Saab’s Advanced Programs business unit, said the company is in an intensive development phase, working together with Sweden to explore technologies that will lay the groundwork for the next generation of combat air systems. As part of that effort, Saab intends to fly uncrewed demonstrators with fighter-like characteristics before 2030, supporting Sweden as it weighs its future options.
According to Nilsson, the A3 system is a separate concept of Saab’s own — one that could follow in the mid-2030s should Sweden decide to build on the work currently underway. He added that Saab is well positioned to develop the next generation of combat air systems, drawing on its experience with Gripen, GlobalEye, and advanced aerospace systems more broadly.
On Public Display
The full-scale Saab A3-001 concept model remains open to public viewing throughout the air show, offering a glimpse of a potential uncrewed component within a future system-of-systems approach to air warfare.
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Source: C4Defence– Saab
